Andre Marriner to referee Manchester derby showdown

Andre Marriner has been appointed to referee next Monday's title showdown between Manchester City and Manchester United.

Andre Marriner has been appointed to referee next Monday's title showdown between Manchester City and Manchester United.

The 41-year-old, from Sheldon in the West Midlands, will take charge of what is arguably the biggest ever Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.

City trail United by three points knowing that victory would put them top of the Premier League on goal difference with just two games to play.

Marriner has taken charge of three United games this season, most notably the league clash with Liverpool at Anfield, after which Liverpool's Luis Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing United captain Patrice Evra.

It will be the first time he has been in charge of a City game this season.

However, he was the official at Old Trafford last season when United beat their Manchester rivals 2-1 thanks to Wayne Rooney's spectacular overhead kick.

This season his five red cards include one for Blackburn's David Dunn in the infamous Lancashire derby with Wigan at the DW Stadium in November, when he allowed a goal for the visitors to stand after Morten Gamst Pedersen had taken a corner to himself.

Do you think the appointment of Marriner will favour either City or United? Have your say

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